Theodore Roosevelt congratulates Governor Benjamin B. Odell on "what has happened in New York." Roosevelt does not think that there will be further trouble, but stresses that the interests are "too great" to allow anything to "imperil the success of the party."

Resource Type:
Letter

Subject:
Political parties--U.S. states; Elections--U.S. states; New York (State); Republican Party (N.Y.)

President Roosevelt thanks Colonel Woodard for his letter, and agrees with him about the appointment of George B. Cortelyou as Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Roosevelt notes that Cortelyou is friends with Elihu Root and will run the election campaign according to the principles Roosevelt has applied to his own presidency. Roosevelt also appreciates Woodard's assessment of the political situation in Wisconsin, about which Roosevelt had felt apprehensive.

Judge Jones asks Marshal Bryan not to remove Deputy Marshal Colquitt from office because he believes that the referees (most likely referring to the Alabama patronage referees J. O. Thompson and Charles H. Scott) have requested this action "for purely partisan reasons." Jones discusses the power of the court and the influence of partisan values.

Resource Type:
Letter

Subject:
United States marshals; Party affiliation; Judges--Attitudes; Political parties--U.S. states; Alabama

Judge Jones regrets that his disagreement with the referees concerning the removal of Deputy Marshal Colquitt has been put into print. Jones argues that the court must be "absolutely non-partisan in the administration of justice." Since Jones does not believe that "propriety requires a Judge to keep his mouth shut when his friends are libeled," he is willing to disprove certain statements if this incident is used "for campaign purposes elsewhere."

Francis Bennett Williams, Chairman of the Louisiana Republican Committee, informs President Roosevelt that he and Pearl Wight have received Roosevelt's request that they carefully consider John Greene Skipwith for the position of Assistant Appraiser. However, Williams informs Roosevelt that he cannot recommend Skipwith, as Skipwith was a Democrat, did not vote for Roosevelt, and had boasted that he would get the position despite the opposition of Williams and Wight. Williams also informs Roosevelt that Senator Samuel McEnery also opposes Skipwith's appointment, and Williams encloses a copy of a letter from McEnery that indicates this. Williams will hold a meeting to select a Republican to appoint for the post and will then inform Roosevelt of the selection. Williams also notes that, after Roosevelt's recent visit to the city, Roosevelt could win the Democratic vote in New Orleans or even most of the whole South.

Jacob Sloat Fassett writes to William Loeb about his recent trip to Canada. He comments on a sawmill there, and thinks that Loeb would be impressed with its work. He writes about the political situation in New York and that the "plain folks" are against Benjamin B. Odell.

John A. Sleicher updates Theodore Roosevelt on the overall political situation of New York. Governor Black is not interested in "sitting down in a game" with people who have "cards up their sleeves" or who use "double-dealing methods." Sleicher reminds Roosevelt that he once said the party needed to do "housecleaning," and believes that Roosevelt's hand on the scale brought about such housecleaning in New York, which ultimately prevented consideration of many "unwholesome" bills. Sleicher also believes that the revival of William Jennings Bryan and William Randolph Hearst's desire to be a key Democratic politician in New York show that the Democrats are struggling.

William H. Andrews responds to Senator Smoot's letter regarding the Joint Statehood movement. Andrews implores Smoot to get Democrats Wilfred Taft Webb and Andrew Kimball involved in the movement. Although Smoot believes that the general sentiment of voters in Arizona supports statehood, involvement from both parties will help influence more people. Andrews wishes for Joint Statehood to be the main focus, rather than politics. Andrews encloses a copy of a letter from President Roosevelt to the Secretary of the Statehood League of Arizona that may be of use, and he would be willing to send more, if necessary.

John A. Sleicher writes Theodore Roosevelt about a number of political matters in New York and nationally. Sleicher believes that the most important change Roosevelt can now accomplish in Washington is in regards to the tariff. Sleicher believes Roosevelt's current idea is the correct one. In New York politics, Sleicher notes that The Herald seems to be in Roosevelt's favor. Sleicher also wishes Roosevelt would put his "heavy, velvety hand" on the situation regarding the factions within the state party and talk to Governor Higgins, in order to maintain the party's supremacy in the state.